Noncollapsible pneumatic tire



June 16, 1942. H, QUlNN 2,286,507

NoNcoLLAPsIBLE PNEUMATIG TIRE Filed April 2e, 1941 4 sheets-sheet 1 ,f7/Wenig June y16, 1942. H. QUINN 2,286,507

NONCOLLAPS IBLE PNEUMAT IC TIRE Filed April 26, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 1e, 1942. H. QUINN 2,286,507

NONGOLLAPSIBLE PNEUMATIC TIRE Filed April 26, 1941 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 June 16, T1942. H. QulNN NONCOLLAPSIBLE-PNEUMATIG TIRE Filed April 726, 1941 4 Sheets-'Sheet 4 Patented June 16,1942

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Claims.

My invention relates to improvements in noncollapsible pneumatic tires.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my earlier application for Letters Patent for Non-collapsible pneumatic tire, S. N. 352,361, filed August 13, 1940.

An object of my invention is to provide a pneumatic tire having a plurality of independent rigid supporting means arranged circumferentially within the tire casing exterior of the pneumatic tube and normally urged by said tube when inlated to an inoperative position permitting the usual resiliency of said tire and means to successively urge said4 independent rigid supporting means to a position rigidly supporting the walls of said tire casing as the tire rotates away from the ground on continued rotation of said tire after deflation of said tube so that while there may be a slight initial collapsing of the tire casing immediately after deation of a portion of the casing, when said portion again strikes the ground it will be rigidly supported.

An object of my invention therefore, is to provide a greater measure of safety in the event of a blow-out, for before there is a chance of any accident to happen, the tire casing will be rigidly supported to permit the continued control and driving of the vehicle.

A further object of my invention is to largely eliminate the destruction of the tire casing by rim cuts or other fabric laceratons after blowouts or punctures. and thereby lengthen the life of an ordinary tire casing or shoe, rendering it capable of continued use after a succession of blow-outs or punctures.

I believe I am the rst to provide the principle in a pneumatic tire of having spring or other means adapted to selectively interpose solids between the tire casing outer tread wall and the rim to take the place of air pressure within said tire after a blow-out or puncture and to cause the tire to resume its normal safe operating position with the side walls of the tire casing rigidly supported.

A further object of my invention is to provide, in an embodiment shown, a larger tire and air cushion by means of the tri-tubular tube I preferably employ in one embodiment thereof than is employed in present-day tires.

A further object of my invention is to provide in. said embodiment a structure whereby said solids will be automatically moved out of the way on the re-inilaton. of the tube to permit the usual pneumatic resiliency of the tire in use.

A further object of my invention in a different embodiment thereof is to provide a device ernbodying these principles which may be attached to a standard rim without any modification thereof and employing a single tube.

A further object of my invention is to provide a device which will retain the natural shape of the tire even after a puncture or a blow-out to prevent its so collapsing as to tend to fly off the rim.

Further features of my invention relate to improvements in the various structural parts of my invention.

These and such other objects of my invention as may hereinafter appear will be best understood from a description of the embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a vertical cross sectional view taken through a portion of one embodiment of a noncollapsible pneumatic tire constructed in accordance with my invention as it abuts the ground having a rim modified in accordance with my invention and with the tube in inflated operating condition.

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross sectional View similar to Fig. 1 illustrating the position the parts assume the instant the tube collapses.

Fig. 3 is a vertical cross sectional view taken through a portion of the tire not in contact with the ground illustrating the position the parts of the same portion of the tire shown in Figs. l and 2 assume immediately after said portion of the tire'has left the ground with the independent rigid supporting means successively brought in position to support the tire tread when said portion again comes in contact with the ground.

Fig. 4 is a vertical circumferential sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of Fig, 1.

Fig. 5 is a detailed sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view taken through the improved type of guide means I preferably employ along the line 6-6 of Fig. 5..

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of the lining I preferably employ.

Fig. 8 is a vertical cross sectional view taken through a portion of a different-embodiment of a non-collapsible pneumatic tireV constructed in accordance with my invention as it abuts the ground with the single tube employed in this embodiment in inflated operative condition.

Fig. 9 is a vertical cross sectional view similar to Fig. 8 illustrating the position the parts assume the instant the tube collapses.

Fig. 10 is a vertical cross sectional view taken through a portion of the tire not in contact with the ground, illustrating the position the parts of the same portion of the tire Shown in Figs. 8 and 9 assume immediately after said portion of the tire has left the ground with the independent rigid supporting means successively brought into position to support the tire tread when said portion again cornes in contact with the ground.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line l I-I l of Fig. 8 with the tube not shown.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line I2-l2 of Fig. l0 with the tube not shown.

Fig. 13 is a cross sectional view taken along the line |3-l3 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view talen along the line Ill-ie of Fig. 10.

I have shown in Figs. 1-7 oi the drawings one embodiment of my invention in which the solid supporting parts are automatically moved into a position to support the tread on deflation of the tube and in which said supporting parts are automatically moved to a position not supporting the tread on reinflation of the tube to permit the ordinary resiliency of the tire.

I have shown in Figs. 8-14 a different embodiment of my invention which may be readily attached to a standard type of rim without modication oi the rim and employing a single tube.

Referring to the embodiment shown in 1-'7 of the drawings, wherein like characters of reference generally indicate like parts throughout, I6 generally indicates a non-collapsible pneumatic tire constructed in accordance with my invention. While my invention may be constructed without modification of the rim l2, as shown in the embodiment shown in Figs. 8-14, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 7, I provide a continuous peripheral iange lf3 securable to the center of the wheel rim l2 terminating in an enlarged continuous annular head i6 having a flat outer surface I8. In this embodiment, the ange Hl is in the general nature ci a continuous circular I-beam having the I-portions 2d ilaring outwardly immediately exterior of the rim and a hexagonal rim attaching portion 22 projecting integrally inwardly from the inner end 2d of said iiange l, said hexagonal portion 22 having its outer surface integrally attached to the inner end of the iiange lil and the flat inner surface 26 adapted to be flush with the inner rim surface 28, each side wall of said hexagonal portion 22 comprising the two outwardly tapering portions 30 tapering to a center line 32, thereby making up the hexagon with said inner and outer walls just described and providing side walls for said hexagonal attaching portions tapering outwardly to a center line 32. To embrace each end of said hexagonal attaching portion 22, I preferabl centrally split the rim l2. In the embodiment shown, the rim i2 comprises the portion 3d which may be permanently attached to the wheel felly and the removable portion S, said portions being provided at their inner ends with the respective V-shaped grooves 38 and it to receive therein respectively each set of the tapered side walls 3i! of the hexagonal attaching portion 22. Bolts 42 may project at intervals laterally from the groove 33 on said permanently attached portion 34 adapted to project through cooperating holes 44 in said hexagonal attaching portion 22 and suitably aligned holes l5 in said removable portion 36, said bolts being adapted to receive the nuts 48 on the threaded ends 5E! thereof to detachably clamp said hexagonal attaching portion 22 between said rim portions Sii and 36.

If deaaeasov sired a continuous clamping rim 52 is also provided with suitable holes E4 for receiving the bolts 42 therein and may be interposed between the free edge of said removable portion 36 and nuts 48.

In the embodiment shown, the outer surface of the rim is provided with suitable grooves 56 near each edge thereof for receiving the inner ends 58 of the side walls @El of the usual tire casing or shoe 52 therein. For the insertion of the usual tube stem G41 the flange le is provided with the central radial hole t3 having the branch holes EQ therein, said branch holes Se being provided with slits 58 extending radially outwardly to the outer surface of said flange l. The hexagonal attaching portion 22 is also provided with the radial stem hole 65 for insertion of the tube within the shoe 62. It is obvious that the same .eans I have employed for attaching the flange lli to the rim also functions to retain the tire casing @2 to the rim with the flange ll projecting radially outwardly centrally within said attached casing E52 providing an outer chamber l!) exterior of said flat outer iiange end surface I8 and a respective inner chamber 12e and 12b on each side of said flange Bft within said casing 62. Where the corresponding parts for each respective side wall of the tire are not shown in the drawings or referred to by reference character in the drawings, it is understood that corresponding parts to those shown and described are employed for the opposite side wall, being exact duplicates of Athose shown in Figs. 5 and 6 for one side wall. Each side wall 6! of said casing 52 is provided ,with a flat continuous annular member 'Me or 'llb covering the inner surface thereof and being provided at spaced intervals with spring means lea or 'leb projecting inwardly thereof, and intermediate said spring means alternately as shown, with guide means 'lila or '58h also projecting inwardly thereof, in the embodiment shown, the guide means 18a or 18h being interposed alternately between said spring means. Said members 'Me or Mb are made of hard rubber or other suitable material. In the embodiment shown, each annular member 74a or 'Mb is provided with the respective holes 86a or Bill@ on the inner wall thereof for receiving said spring means Ita or fib. In the embodiment shown I employ two springs in each spring means, a more powerful spring 82e or 32h in its respective hole 89a or 33h and an inner smaller spring 84e or 8th respectively separated by an intermediate plate See or Seb. The inner ends of the v inner spring members 8de or deb abut the spaced arcuate nat sectional rigid supporting members Sila or 8gb. Said members 88a or 38h are preferably construcied of a strong rigid material, such as metal. rI'he respective ends of the springs are rigidly attached by welding or otherwise to the rigid supporting members tta or 83h, the inner and outer surfaces of the respective plates 86a or Seb and the outer ends of the respective holes Sila or eb.

In the embodiment shown, the respectiveY guide means 78a or 13b comprise a plurality of telescoping members. As shown in detail in Fig. 6, a hole title or Seb is provided for each respective guide means 'ma or '58h intermediate the respective holes 8de or Silb for said respective springs '16a or 76h. The inner surface of each hole 9,0El or Seb is provided with an inwardly projecting flange 92a or 92h respectively. I also provide a respective inner and a respective outer piston and cylinder member 94a or 951 and 96a or Sb. Each outer respective piston cylinder member 96e or 96h has an annular piston portion 98a or 98h at the outer end thereof adapted to reciprocate within its respective hole 90a or 90b, and a central cylinder portion ||l|la or Hit)b projecting centrally inwardly thereof and terminating in an inwardly projecting annular flange ||I2a or |02b at the inner end thereof; Each respective inner piston and cylinder member 94a or 95h also has the annular piston portion lili!a or lllb at the outer end thereof adapted to reciprocate within the cylinder portion Hita or Iilb of the outer piston and cylinder member 96a or SBD, and a central cylinder portion |536a or |66b projecting centrally inwardly thereof and terminating in an inwardly projecting annular fiange |08a or |08b atthe inner end thereof. A stem Il@ab or III)b is attached to the respective rigid supporting member 82a or 88b and forms the stem of a piston projecting through a central hole I |2a or I IZb in the inner end of the cylinder portion |65EL or Ib and has the piston Hitl or III!b at the outer end thereof adapted to reciprocate in said cylinder portion lea or ||l|b of its inner piston and cylinder member 94e or Seb. It is obvious that the outer edges of the respective pistons 98a or 98h, It-a or Iii-ib and H421 or IIIib abutting the inner surfaces of the walls of the respective cylinders 90a or 99h, Ia or Itb and Iilia or |9610 keep the respective guide means in alignment. A duct I Ia or I Ib projects inwardly from the outer end of the base of each cylinder hole 99a or gdb to permit the ingress and egress of air from the respective cylinders ||i|it or Ib, Ii'IfI'l1 or Iiib and 90a or .90b on reciprocation of the respective pistons 9Ba or 98h, Hille or llib and IIIEL or IIIib. The reciprocating movement of the piston 98a or 98h is limited by the base of the cylinder Sea or 90b and the respective ange 92gq or 92h. rIhe reciprocating movement of each piston Ila or IMb is limited by the respective supporting member 88a or 88h striking the inner surface of the flange Iii?a or |8321 and by the respectiv'e piston Ilia or Iiib striking the outer surface of the flange H32a or |021. The reciprocating movement of the piston IIAa or IMI@ is limited by the respective attaching member 83a or 88h striking the inner surface of the iiange ||2a or ||2b and the respective piston IU,a or IMb itself striking the outer surface of the respective flange ||2a or |I2b.

I. also provide a nat annular lining IIB covering the inner surface of the tire casing outer tread wall IZ. In the embodiment shown, the lining I I8 is constructed of elastic material, such as resilient rubber and has the spaced, reinforcing means embedded therein or afXed thereto. In the embodiment shown, said spaced reinforcing means comprises, as shown in Fig. 7, two rows |251a and Ib of longitudinally spaced cross rods |2t and IEW embedded therein with the rods in one row being staggered relative to the rods in the other row, which rods may be constructed of suitable resilient metal wire.

I also employ a plurality of spaced arcuate flat sectional rigid supporting members 8Ba or 88h mounted on said respective spring means 16a or 761 and guide means 'Ie or 13b as hitherto described, adapted to be forced inwardly between said flange head I6 and lining IIB by said respective spring means 15a or 1Gb. These members 83 or 88h are constructed of rigid material such as metal and are of a strength when interposed between the lining I |8 and flatflange surface I8 as shown in Fig. 3, to support the tire casing 62 to positively prevent any strain on the side walls 6|! thereof. The lining IIB is employed to prevent the supporting members 88a or 88b from cutting the tread surface |20 of the tire casing or shoe 52. I also employ the usual pneumatic tube |2i to give the usual pneumatic elasticity to the tire and said tube |26 includes the tubular portion |28 adapted to be mounted in said outer chamber 'I0 between said flange surface I8 and lining ||8 and adapted when inflated to push the rigid supporting members 88a or 88b out of radial alignment with the flange I4 compressing the spring means 'Ita or 1Gb and' collapsing the guide means I8l or |81 for this purpose. In the embodiment shown, said tube |26 comprises a plural tube having in addition to the portion |28, a supplemental tubular portion. lima or Iiib in each of said inner chambers 12a or 12b exterior of the side walls of said flange IG. In the embodiment shown each of said tubular portions |28, |3a and It@b is respectively connected to the others. For this purpose the tubular portion |23 is provided with the usual stem conduit |32 of small diameter projecting outwardly to the valve IM through the radial hole tei in said ange Id and radial hole 65 in said hexagonal portion 22 hitherto described. Said tubular conduit |32 is provided with the branch tubular conduits |36 and |3b also of small diameter. connecting said conduit |32 to the respective tubular` portions lita and |391), it being thus obvious that when the tube is inflated the respective tubular portions |28 and |312a and |519b are respectively connected to each other by said conduits |32 and |35*1 and Itb respectively. If desired, interlinings |38a or Ib may be interposed between the tubular portion |28 and the respective tubular portions |36 or ISG".

As will be apparent, my improved pneumatic tire will function quicker and better if a large plurality of supporting members 88a or 88h be employed. In the embodiment shown, I have shown siX such supporting members each mounted on three spring means 'I or ESI and havingA two guide means I3@ or `|8b interposed between the respective spring means '56e or 'IN'. If desired, the respective supporting members 8@ or 88h may each be provided with a pointed front end B9@ or 89h with the outer wall thereof tapering radially inwardly to the inner wall thereof to provide said point, thus providing an inclined plane surface 9|@ or 9|b for the more facile insertion of the supporting members underneath the head I6 of the ange I4 on rotation 0f the tire in'use; The means I employ to inflate said plural tube includes the valve |35 mounted on the end of the conduit |32, as colloquially called in the trade the valve stem. When a suitable pump is attached to the valve I3@ air is inserted through the conduit |32 into the tubular portion |28 and through the respective branch conduits ISil and |36b into the tubular portions |363a and |3|.`lb. As the tubular portion |28 becomes iniiated it is obvious that the rigid supporting members 83a and 88h are spread laterally outwardly out of radial alignment with the head I6 of the flange I4 as shown in Fig. 1, the spring means 1ta and 1Gb and guide means I8a and 'I8h collapsing within their respective holes Sa and and 90a and 99h as pneumatic pressure is applied to the tubular portion |23, all said tubular portions |28 and |30a and Iib being thus inflated to give the usual pneumatic resiliency to the tire.

Should the tire strike an obstruction in use,

it is obvious that the supporting members 88EL and Sb will freely rise in the chambers '|2a and 12b, the respective tubular portions |30a and |38b compressing for this purpose. Thus in use my improved pneumatic tire assumes the position shown in Fig. 1. I have shown in Fig. 2 the position the parts take immediately after a, puncture or blow-out causes deflation of the respective tubular portions |28 and iSa and |38b, the spring means 76a and '|61J immediately urging the rigid supporting members 88a and 88lo inwards and the Walls 68 of the tire casing 62 tending to temporarily collapse for a short period of time. When, however, the respective individual casing portions opposite said respective sectional supporting members 88e and 88h are free of the ground, the resiliency of the walls 6i! of the casing 62 will tend to raise the respective casing portions to their normal position and the respective spring means 15a and I6b will then be able to immediately push their respective individual supporting members 882L and 88D into radial alignment between the head |6 of the flange |4 and the lining ||8 as shown in Fig. 3. It is obvious that when the portions opposite the respective sections leave the ground on rotation of the tire that the individual sections 88a and 88h will be pushed by their respective springs into the position shown in 3, so that when said respective portion of the tire shown in Fig. 2 again strikes the ground the parts will be in the position shown in Fig. 3 and so that the respective edges of said supporting members 38a and 881 thereof Will abut the head I6 0f the flange |4 and the reinforcing lining H8 respectively to positively support the outer tread surface |28 of the tire away from the rim l2 so that no strain will be brought on the Walls Sii of the tire casing.

I have shown in Figs. 8-14 a different embodiment of my invention employing a single tube and which may be employed on a standard type of rim. While any type of rim and tire casing attaching means may be employed, I have shown in the drawings a standard detachable tire in which the rim id@ vis rigidly attached as usual to the wheel felly |42 of an artillery wheel and is detachably mounted thereon by means of the usual split side ange ii fitting into the usual groove i418 provided therefore adjacent the outer edge of the rim ma. While the solid members |48 adapted to be interposed between the rim |40 and the tire tread to support the tread surface ld of the shoe E52 may be constructed as a separate attachment, as shown in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-7 adapted to fit in any part of the shoe, in this embodiment I have specically mounted them in the side walls E54 of the shoe or tire casing 52. The tire casing or shoe |52 thus has the outer tread portion l 58 and the side walls its having inner ends |56 detachably securable to the wheel rim |48, which side Walls 54 are provided with the internally thickened outer portions Each of said thickened outer` portions has a circumferential channel |60 projecting substantially radially outwardly from the inner surface 62 thereof, said channels being preferably substantially radial to the center of the wheel (not shown). It is apparent, however, that in place of said thickened portions |58 and circumferential channels its, any other suitable type of supports may be provided for mounting the solid members ii on the tire casing.

In this embodiment the solid members |48 comprise the pairs |69 of supporting members |48 pivotally mounted at alternate spaced distances circumferentially of said channels within said channels |68 and are pivotable to a closed position within said channels. For this purpose each supporting member |48 of a respective pair |49 is loosely mounted on a pivot pin |64 rigidly mounted in its respective channel in suitable holes |66 provided therefor in the side walls of the respective channels. The outer portion |65 of each respective supporting member containing the hole |68 for its loose pivotal mounting on a pivot pin |64 is substantially of disc shape and the oblong inner lug portion |61 projects radially therefrom. As stated, the supporting members |48 are pivotally mounted in pairs at alternate spaced distances circumferentially in the respective channels and, as also stated, said supporting members are adapted to function in pairs |49. For this purpose the respective pivot pins |64 for each respective pair are spaced apart substantially twice the radius of said disc shaped outer portions |65 so that their respective peripheries will abut. One of the respective disc portions |65 of each pair |49 of supporting members |48 is provided with a partially circumferential tongue |76 adapted to fit into a cooperating partially circumferential groove 7| in the respective other supporting member |48 of the pair |49, both for aligning purposes and to provide a braking action to keep the pivotable movement of each supporting member |48 of a pair |49 simultaneous. Means are provided, in the embodiment shown, spring means |72, to normally urge said supporting members to a radial position with the ends H4 of the lug portions |61 projecting inwardly from said channels to abut said rim |49 and support said tread surface |50. While any suitable type of spring means may be employed, I have shown in the drawings a spiral spring of the standard clock type made of highly tempered resilient wire, having one end |16 thereof rigidly affixed to a pivot pin |64, and the opposite end |78 abutting the free side wall |80 of the lug portion |6 of each pair away from its respective other supporting member |48 of each pair. I

,u have shown in Fig. l2 the respective lug portions |67 of each pair raised by the respective springs H2 to their supporting positions. In order that the supporting members may function as a pair unit, the abutting 4surfaces 82 thereof when in this radial supporting position are provided with interlocking means, such as the projections |84 and |86 projecting from the abutting walls |82 of each respective member fitting into respective locking depressions |88 and |96 in the abutting walls of the respective supporting members |48.

As in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-7, the inflated pneumatic tube |92 normally retains the pairs of supporting members |48 in a closed position within the respective channels |60. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 8-14 I am able to employ a single pneumatic tube |92 which comprises the outer portion |94 contained between the thickened portions |58 of the side walls E54 and a wider inner portion |88 filling out said casing |52 having outer walls |99 at each outer end thereof underlying said respective pairs |49 of supporting members |48 to retain said supporting members in a closed position Within said circumferential channels |68. If desired, to protest the tube from the supporting members |48, circumferential Iiaps 26a may be interposed between the outer walls |68 of said tube inner portion Q6 and said channels |60, being freely movable as shown in Figs. 9 and l0 on collapse of said tube |92 and subsequent raising of said supporting members |48 by the respective springs |12 to a position free of said channels |60 to permit the free raising of the inner ends |14 of said supporting lug portions |61 to the positions shown in Fig. 10, rigidly supporting the tire tread |50 against said rim |40.

As shown in Figs. 8-10, this embodiment of my invention performs substantially the same function as the embodiment of my invention shown in Figs. 1-'1. When the tire is in use the tube |92 is fully inated to give the usual pneumatic resiliency to the tire, and with the outer walls |98 of its inner portion |00 abutting the respective flaps 200, which in turn abut the inner ends |14 of the lug supporting portions |61 to retain them in a depressed position within their respective channels |50 against the pressure of the springs |12 normally urging them to a raised position. I have shown in Fig. 9 the position the parts take immediately after a puncture or a blow-out, causing deflation of the tube |92, the spring means |12 immediately urging the rigid supporting members |48 inwards and the walls |54 of the shoe |52 tending to temporarily collapse for a short period of time. When, however, the respective casing portions opposite the respective pairs |49 of supporting members |48 are free of the ground, the resiliency of the walls |54 of the casing |52 will tend to raise the respective casing portions to their normal position, and the respective spring means |12 will then be able to immediately push their respective individual supporting members |48, functioning as a unit pair |49, into radial alignment between the rim |40 and the tread |50, as shown in Fig. 10, so that when said respective portion of the tire shown in Fig. 9 again strikes the ground the parts will be in the position shown in Fig. and so that the respective inner ends |14 of said supporting members-|48 will abut the rim |40 to positively support the outer tread surface |50 of the tire away from the rim |40 so that no strain will be brought on the walls |54 of the tire casing.

It is obvious that this rigid supporting of the side walls of the tire will positively prevent rim cuts and other tire fabric lacerations and will immediately permit all portions of the tire to assume the pseudo infiated or rigid position shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. l0 to permit the vehicle to travel forward on an even keel so to speak, and thereby prevent accidents and injury to the tube and casing.

It is thus obvious that whatever collapsing of the tube may take place is only temporary and does no harm to the walls of the tire and does not affect the steering of the vehicle.

It is also apparent that with the walls of the tire casing so supported the tire may be temporarily used after a puncture permitting the vehicle to continue operating until the tire may be repaired at the drivers convenience.

It is understood that my invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown and that various deviations may be made therefrom without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A non-collapsible pneumatic tire, comprising a continuous peripheral flange securable to the center of a wheel rim terminating in an enlarged continuous annular head having a flat outer surface, a tire casing detachably securable vto said rim with said iiange projecting centrally within, providing an outer chamber exterior of said flat outer iiangeV head surface and an inner chamber on each side of said ange within said casing, a flat annular member covering each side wall of said casing having spaced spring means and guide means projecting inwardly thereof, an elastic annular lining covering the inner surface of the tire casing outer tread wall having spaced reinforcing means embedded therein, a plurality of spaced arcuate flat sectional rigid supporting members independently mounted on said spring means and guide means to be forced inwardly between said flange head and lining by said spring means, a plural pneumatic tube comprising a tubular portion in said outer chamber and a tubular portion in each of said inner chambers pneumatically connected to the other respective tubular portions and means to inate said plural tube, with the ination of said outer tubular portion pushing said sectional supporting members free of said flange head whereby on deflation of said tube, said arcuate sectional supporting members may be selectively urged by said spring means to positions between said flange head and lining on rotation of said tire to rigidly support said tire casing without deflation of said casing and strain on the side walls thereof on continued rotation of said tire.

2. A non-collapsible pneumatic tire, comprising a continuous peripheral flange securable to the center of a wheel rim terminating in an enlarged continuous annular head having a at outer surface, a tire casing detachably securable to said rim with said flange projecting centrally within, providing an outer chamber exterior of said at outer flange head surface, a flat annular member covering each side wall of said casing having spaced spring means projecting inwardly thereof, an annular lining covering the' inner surface of the tire casing outer tread wall, a plurality of spaced arcuate flat sectional rigid supporting members independently mounted on said spring means to be forced inwardly between said flange head and lining by said spring means, a pneumatic tube in said outer chamber and means to inflate said tube, with the inflation of said tube pushing said sectional supporting members free of said ange head whereby on deflation of Said tube, said arcuate sectional supporting members may be selectively urged by said spring means to positions between said flange head and lining on rotation of said tire to rigidly support said tire casing without deflation of said casing and strain on the side walls thereof on continued rotation of said tire.

3. A non-collapsible pneumatic tire, comprising a continuous peripheral ange securable to the center of a wheel rim terminating in an enlarged continuous annular head having a flat outer surface, a tire casing detachably securable to said rim with said iange projecting centrally within, providing an outer chamber exteriorof said flat outer flange head surface and an inner chamber on each side of said flange within said casing, a flat annular member covering each side wall of said casing having spaced spring means projecting inwardly thereof, an annular lining covering the inner surface of the tire casing outer tread wall, a plurality of spaced arcuate flat sectional rigid supporting members independently mounted on said spring means to be forced inwardly between said ange head and lining by said spring means, a plural pneumatic tube comprising a tubular portion in said outer chamber and a tubular portion in each of said inner chambers pneumatically connected to the other respective tubular portions, and meansl to inflate said plural tube, with the iniiation of said outer tubular portion pushing said sectional supporting members free of said flange head whereby on deflation of said tube, said arcuate sectional supporting members may be selectively urged by said spring means to positions between said flange head and lining on rotation of said tire to rigidly support said tire casing without deflation of said casing and strain on the side walls thereof on continued rotation of said tire.

4. A non-collapsible pneumatic tire, comprising a continuous peripheral flange securable to the center of a wheel rim terminating in an enlarged continuous annular head having a flat outer surface, a tire casing detachably securable to said rim with said flange projecting centrally within, providing an outer chamber exterior of said flat outer flange head surface, a fiat annular member covering each side Wall of said casing having spaced spring means and guide means projecting inwardly thereof, an annular I lining covering the inner surface of the tire casing outer tread wall, a plurality of spaced arcuate flat sectional rigid supporting members independently mounted on said spring means and guide means to be forced inwardly between said flange head and lining by said spring means, a pneumatic tube in said outer chamber, and means to inflate said tube, with the inflation of said tube pushing said sectional supporting members free of said ange head whereby on defiation of said tube, said arcuate sectional supporting members may be selectively urged by said spring means to positions between said ange head and lining on rotation of said tire to rigidly support said tire casing Without deflation of said casing and strain on the side walls thereof on continued rotation of said tire.

5. A non-collapsible pneumatic tire, comprising a continuous peripheral flange securable to the center of a wheel rim terminating in an enlarged continuous annular head having a flat outer surface, a tire casing detachably securable to said rim with said fiange projecting centrally within, providing an outer chamber exterior of said at outer ange head surface, a flat annular member covering each side wall of said casing having spaced spring means projecting inwardly thereof, an elastic annular lining covering the inner surface of the tire casing outer tread wall having spaced reinforcing means embedded therein, a plurality of spaced arcuate flat sectional rigid supporting members independently7 mounted on said spring means to be forced inwardly between said flange head and lining by said spring means, a, pneumatic tube in said outer chamber, and means to inflate said tube, with the inflation of said tube pushing said sectional supporting members free of said flange head Whereby on defiation of said tube, said arcuate sectional supporting members may be selectively urged by said spring means to positions between said flange head and lining on rotation of said tire to rigidly support said tire casing without deflation of said casing and strain on the side walls thereof on continued rotation of said tire.

6. A non-collapsible pneumatic tire, comprising a continuous peripheral ange securable to the center of a Wheel rim terminating in an enlarged continuous annular head having a flat outer surface, a tire casing detachably securable to said rim with said flange projecting centrally within, providing an outer chamber exterior of said :dat outer flange head surface, a flat annular member covering each side Wall of said casing having spaced spring means projecting inwardly thereof, an elastic annular lining covering the inner surface of the tire casing outer tread wall having staggered lines of spaced rigid cross rods embedded therein, a plurality of' spaced arcuate flat sectional rigid supporting members independently mounted on said spring means to be forced inwardly between said fiange head and lining by said spring means, a pneumatic tube in said outer chamber, and means to inflate said tube, with the inflation of said tube pushing said sectional supporting members free of said flange head whereby on deiiation of said tube, said arcuate sectional supporting members may be selectively urged by said spring means to positions between said flange head and lining on rotation of said tire to rigidly support said tire casing without deation of said casing and strain on the side walls thereof on continued rotation of said tire.

'7. A non-collapsible pneumatic tire for a vehicle wheel rim, comprising a tire casing detachably securable to said rim, continuous supporting means projecting from said rim within said tire casing, an annular lining covering the inner surface of the casing outer tread wall, a pneumatic tube having a portion interposed between said supporting means and lining, a plurality of sectional rigid supporting members arranged circumferentially of said tire casing urged by said tube when inflated out of line with said supporting means and lining, and spring means operable on deation of said tube to successively selectively urge said sectional Supporting members into a position between said supporting means and lining to rigidly support said tire casing on continued rotation of said tire after defia'tion of said tube.

8. A non-collapsible pneumatic tire for a vehicle wheel rim, comprising a tire casing detachably securable to said rim, continuous supporting means projecting from said rim within said tire casing, a pneumatic tube having a portion interposed between said supporting means and tire casing outer tread wall, a plurality of sectional rigid supporting members arranged circumferentially of said tire casing urged by said tube when inflated out of line with said supporting means and tire casing outer tread wall, and spring means operable on deflation of said tube to successively selectively urge said sectional supporting members into a position between said supporting means and tire casing outer tread wall to rigidly support said tire casing on continued rotation of said tire after deation of said tube.l

9. A non-collapsible pneumatic tire for a vehicle wheel rim, comprising a' tire casing detachably securable to said rim, a pneumatic tube contained within said tire casing, a plurality of movable rigid supporting membersarranged circumferentially of said tire casing exterior of said tube and normally held by said inflated tube in an inoperative position permitting the usual pneumatic resiliency of said tire in use, and spring means operable on deflation of said Vtube to successively urge said rigid supporting members to a position rigidly supporting the tire tread on continued rotation of said tire after deation of said tube.

10. A non-collapsible pneumatic tire for a vehicle wheel rim, comprising a tire casing detachably securable to said rim, a pneumatic tube contained Within said tire casing, a plurality of movable rigid supporting members arranged circumferentially of said tire casing exterior of said tube and normally held by said inflated tube in an inoperative position permitting the usual pneumatic resiliency of said tire in use, and means operable on deation of said tube to successively urge said rigid supporting members to a position rigidly supporting the tire tread on continued rotation of said tire after deflation of said tube.

11. A non-collapsible pneumatic tire for a vehicle wheel rim, comprising a tire casing detachably securable to said rim, a pneumatic tube contained within said tire casing, a plurality of movable independent rigid supporting means arranged circumferentially of said tire casing exterior of said tube and normally held by said inflated tube in an inoperative position permitting the usual pneumatic resiliency of said tire in use, and means operable on deflation of said tube to successively urge said independent rigid supporting means to a position rigidly supporting the tire tread on continued rotation of said tire after deflation of said tube.

12. A non-collapsible pneumatic tire, comprising a tire casing having an outer tread portion and side walls having inner ends detachably securable to a Wheel rim and internally thickened outer portions, each having a circumferential channel projecting substantially radially outwardly from the inner surface thereof relative to the center portion of the wheel, a plurality of lpairs of supporting members pivotally mounted at alternate spaced distances within said channels pivotable to a closed position within said channels, spring means normally urging said supporting members to a radial position abutting each other, with the ends thereof projecting inwardly from said channels to abut said rim and support said tread portion, and a pneumatic tube comprising an outer portion contained between the thickened portions of said side walls and a wider inner portion lling out said casing having outer walls at each side thereof underlying said supporting members to retain said supporting members in said closed position within said circumferential channels, and circumferential flaps interposed betweenA said tube inner portion and channels movable cn collapse of said tube by said supporting members to a position free of said channels.

13. A non-collapsible pneumatic tire, comprising a tire casing having an outer tread portion and side walls having inner ends detachably securable to a wheel rim and internally thickened outer portions, each having a circumferential channel projecting substantially radially outwardly from the inner surface thereof relative to the center portion of the wheel, a plurality of pairs of supporting members pivotally mounted at alternate spaced distances Within said channels pivotable to a closed position within said channels, spring means normally urging said supporting members to a radial position abutting each other, with the ends thereof projecting inwardly from said channels to abut said rim and support said tread portion, and a pneumatic tube comprising an outer portion contained between the thickened portions of said side Walls and a wider inner portion illing out said casing having outer walls at each side thereof underlying said supporting members to retain said supporting members in said closed position within said circumferential channels.

14. A non-collapsible pneumatic tire, comprising a tire casing having an outer tread portion and side walls having inner ends detachably securable to a wheel rim and internally thickened outer portions, each having a circumferential channel projecting substantially radially outwardly from the inner surface thereof relative to the center portion of the wheel, supporting members pivotally mounted within said channels pivotable to a closed position Within said channels, spring means normally urging said supporting members to a radial position with the ends thereof projecting inwardly from said channels to abut said rim and support said tread portion, and a pneumatic tube comprising an outer portion contained between the thickened portions of said side walls and a wider inner portion filling out said casing having outer walls at each side thereof underlying said supporting members to retain said supporting members in said closed position within said circumferential channels and circumferential flaps interposed between said tube inner portion and channels movable on collapse of said tube by said supporting members to a position free of said channels.

15. A non-collapsible pneumatic tire, comprising a tire casing having an outer tread portion and side walls having inner ends detachably securable to a wheel rim and internally thickened outer portions, each having a circumferential channel projecting substantially radially outwardly from the inner surface thereof relative to the center portion of the wheel, supporting members pivotally mounted within said channels pivotable to a closed position within said channels, spring means normally urging said supporting members to a radial position, with the ends thereof projecting inwardly from said channels to abut said rim, and support said tread portion, and a pneumatic tube comprising an outer portion contained between the thickened portions of said side walls and a wider inner portion lling out said casing having outer walls at each side thereof underlying said supporting members to retain said supporting members in said closed position within said circumferential channels.

HUBERT QUINN. 

